CLIA Unveils 2025 Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award Winners

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Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) announced the 2025 CLIA Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Award winners on April 24, 2025, during its Hall of Fame Cruise Industry Awards and Gala Dinner at the annual Cruise360 conference in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Bud Darr, President and CEO of CLIA said in a statement, “The 2025 Hall of Fame Winners are travel industry leaders renowned for their extraordinary vision, passion for cruise and dedication to their clients. We are proud to honor their innovative work and impressive contributions to the cruise industry.”

CLIA 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees include:

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is given to two individuals who are lifetime champions of cruise travel and have made monumental contributions to the cruise industry. One winner is selected from the CLIA North American Travel Trade Membership and one from a CLIA Global Cruise Line Member or River Marketing Affiliate.

This year’s recipients include Alex Pinelo, Chief Sales Officer, AmaWaterways and Drew Daly, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Dream Vacations/CruiseOne.

Travel Agency of the Year Award

This award goes to a CLIA Travel Agency Member or Premier Agency Member who has demonstrated innovative and visionary leadership in their approach to promoting cruise travel, growing their cruise travel sales, and supporting their affiliated travel advisors.

The 2025 category win went to Oasis Travel Network.

Lee Smolinski, Chairman and CEO of Oasis Travel Network, accepted the award on behalf of the company and stated, “This recognition from CLIA is a testament to the passion and commitment of our entire Oasis Travel Network. We are immensely grateful for our nearly 1,100 advisors, whose expertise and dedication make this achievement possible. Their hard work and enthusiasm for cruise travel have been instrumental in our continued success.”

Elite Cruise Counsellor of the Year Award

This honor is bestowed on a CLIA Individual Agent Member who has demonstrated their career commitment to professional development through achievement of Elite Cruise Counsellor or Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar status, the pinnacle of CLIA certification, with the requisite sales requirements, as well as significantly impacted the travel agent landscape through contributions to their agency.

The 2025 award went to industry advocate Amanda Goddard, M.Ed., EEC, who said, "I am deeply honored to be recognized alongside such distinguished individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the cruise industry. This recognition is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the incredible teamwork and partnerships I have had the privilege to be part of throughout my career. I look forward to continuing to support the growth and development of this vibrant industry."

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